Warwick BC10, BC20, BC40, BC80, BC150 User manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
BASS COMBO AMPLIFIERS
BC10 BC20 BC40
BC80 BC150
Family Owned ◊ Solar Powered ◊ Sustainably Manufactured in a Green Environment
INDEX
Introduction 5
Safety Instructions 6
Product Information
BC10 8
BC20 10
BC40 12
BC80 14
BC150 16
Troubleshooting 18
INTRODUCTION
A series of compact amplifiers for Bass instruments like nothing you have seen or heard before. These full frequency,
extended headroom, integrated combo amps could be used for virtually any amplified instrument but are specifically tuned
to the unique needs of Electric and Upright Bassists.
Our considerations in these amp designs were multifold and our objectives are to provide:
• An affordable amplier for the discerning musician.
• A gigging amplier for the seasoned professional.
• A teacher’s amp where both the student and the teacher can plug in simultaneously while playing musical examples
with a music player through the auxiliary input.
• An amp for rehearsals, where space and sound levels are limited.
Here is a short explanation of the underlying design concepts.
CLASS A OPERATION
Class A amplifiers are typically more linear and as such are less complex than other amplifier classes. In Class A amplifiers, the
amplification circuitry is designed so that it is always conducting electrical current. This means that the active elements are always on,
thus avoiding the problem of crossover distortion.
LOW-Z CIRCUITRY
Thermal noise is a critical design issue when it comes to audio electronics. By lowering the impedance of components inside an
electronic circuit, the overall thermal noise is substantially reduced. The Low-Z circuitry inside all of our amplifiers makes it possible to
achieve consistently noise-free operation.
DYNAMIC DISTORTION LIMITER
Distortion occurs when an amplifier works beyond its range, when the power supply cannot supply the power any more to
take the amp higher. A common method to control distortion in amps is to use a limiter, a device that stops the signal going
beyond a specific level. Audio limiters work by setting a threshold signal level where the circuit kicks in and keeps signal
levels within the capabilities of the power supply. This method is not very precise and often causes audible effects such as
pumping and thumps.
We designed a circuit that instead reads the distortion level in the power amp and starts limiting as soon as the amp shows
even miniscule amounts of distortion. This means our amps always stay within 0.3% distortion (THD) when most amps are
rated at between 5-10% distortion (that means that to get your 20 Watt out of a 20 Watt amp you will get it audibly distorted
and if you want a clean signal the power will be a lot less). There are desirable types of distortion, but these are not usually
associated with transistor ampliers, but more commonly associated with tube amps and effect pedals. Warwick’s goal is to
give the user a great, clean sound allowing the user to decide how much, and what kind of distortion to employ.
TM
INTEGRATED SPEAKER DESIGN
All the speaker drivers and cabinets have been designed in tandem with the electronics to create units that work together
efficiently. Careful consideration has been taken to modify all parameters, thereby achieving the best results in sound and
performance. All components reflect a custom designed solution to give the end user optimum control over his/her tone,
volume and configuration.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Caution: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the
cover as there are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of noninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may
be sufficient to constitute risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating
and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Read
the manual.
WARNING!
This amplifier is capable of producing high sound pressure levels. Continued exposure to these high sound pressure levels
can cause permanent and irreversible hearing damage. Ear protection is recommended if unit is operated at high volume for
long period of time. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears you should consult a doctor.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions
2. Keep these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. Follow all instructions
5. Do not use this apparatus near water
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacture’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart or rack is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
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